Shuttering the display of inter-frame transitions

ABSTRACT

A shuttering device can improve a viewer&#39;s perception of displayed three-dimensional (3D) content by concurrently shuttering both of the viewer&#39;s eyes during frame transitions. One implementation includes the shuttering device receiving a shuttering signal synchronized to a display of 3D content at a display device. In response to the shuttering signal, the shuttering device can shutter the display of the 3D content. The shuttering can include shuttering a first shuttering component during a first time period corresponding to display of second eye 3D content. The shuttering can also include shuttering both the first shuttering component and a second shuttering component concurrently during a second time period corresponding to display of a transition from the second eye 3D content to first eye 3D content. Additionally, the shuttering can include shuttering the second shuttering component during a third time period corresponding to display of the first eye 3D content.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a U.S. National Stage Application corresponding to PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2011/027981, filed Mar. 10, 2011, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/416,708, filed Nov. 23, 2010, entitled “3D VIDEO CONVERTER.” The present application is also a continuation-in-part of: PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2011/025262, filed Feb. 17, 2011, entitled “BLANKING INTER-FRAME TRANSITIONS OF A 3D SIGNAL;” PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2011/027175, filed Mar. 4, 2011, entitled “FORMATTING 3D CONTENT FOR LOW FRAME-RATE DISPLAYS;” PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2011/027933, filed Mar. 10, 2011, entitled “DISPLAYING 3D CONTENT ON LOW FRAME-RATE DISPLAYS;” PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2011/032549, filed Apr. 14, 2011, entitled “ADAPTIVE 3-D SHUTTERING DEVICES;” and PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2011/031115, filed Apr. 4, 2011, entitled “DEVICE FOR DISPLAYING 3D CONTENT ON LOW FRAME-RATE DISPLAYS.” The entire content of each of the foregoing applications is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. The Field of the Invention

This invention relates to systems, methods, and computer program products related to conversion and presentation of three-dimensional video content.

2. Background and Relevant Art

Three-dimensional (3D) display technology involves presenting two-dimensional images in such a manner that the images appear to the human brain to be 3D. The process typically involves presenting “left” image data to the left eye, and “right” image data to the right eye. When received, the brain perceives this data as a 3D image. 3D display technology generally incorporates the use of a filtering device or blanking device, such as glasses, which filter displayed image data to the correct eye. Filtering devices can be passive, meaning that image data is filtered passively (e.g., by color code or by polarization), or active, meaning that the image data is filtered actively (e.g., by shuttering).

Traditional display devices, such as computer monitors, television sets, and portable display devices, are typically either incapable of producing suitable image data for 3D viewing, or produce an inferior 3D viewing experience. For instance, using traditional display devices to view 3D content generally results in blurry images and/or images that have “ghosting” effects, both of which may cause dizziness, headache, discomfort, and even nausea in the viewer. This is true even for display devices that incorporate more recent display technologies, such as Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), Plasma, Light Emitting Diode (LED), Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED), etc.

Recently, 3D display devices designed specifically for displaying 3D content have become increasingly popular. These 3D display devices are generally used in connection with active filtering devices (e.g., shuttering glasses) to produce 3D image quality not previously available from traditional display devices. These 3D display devices, however, are relatively expensive when compared with traditional display devices.

As a result, consumers who desire to view 3D content are faced with the purchase of expensive 3D display devices, even when they may already have traditional display devices available. Accordingly, there a number of considerations to be made regarding the display of 3D content.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Implementations of the present invention solve one or more problems in the art with systems, methods, and computer program products configured to allow for viewing of three-dimensional (3D) content on a broad range of display devices. In particular, implementations of the present invention provide for shuttering of transitions between left eye images and right eye images of 3D content. One or more implementations of the present invention allow a viewer to experience a level of quality that can match or even exceed the quality experienced with specialized 3D display devices. Accordingly, implementations of the present invention can alleviate or eliminate the need to purchase a 3D-specific display device by enabling the viewing of 3D content on traditional display devices in a high quality manner.

For example, an implementation of a method of shuttering 3D content to improve the perception of the 3D content can involve receiving a shuttering signal. The method can also involve shuttering first and second shuttering components in response to the shuttering signal. In particular, the method can involve shuttering the first shuttering component during a first time period corresponding to display of second eye 3D content. The method can also involve shuttering both the first and second shuttering components concurrently during a second time period corresponding to the display of a transition from the second eye 3D content to first eye 3D content. In addition, the method can involve shuttering the second shuttering component during a third time period corresponding to display of the first eye 3D content.

Another implementation of a method of shuttering displayed 3D content can involve a shuttering device receiving a shuttering signal that includes a plurality of shuttering instructions synchronized to 3D content to be displayed at a display device. The method can also involve identifying a first shuttering instruction that instructs the shuttering device to shutter the first component for a first time period. In response to the first shuttering instruction, the method can involve shuttering a first shuttering component. The method can further involve identifying a second shuttering instruction that instructs the shuttering device to shutter both the first shuttering component and a second shuttering component for a second time period corresponding to a frame transition period. In response, the method can involve concurrently shuttering the first and second shuttering components for the second time period. Additionally, method can involve identifying a third shuttering instruction that instructs the shuttering device to shutter the second shuttering component for a third time period. Furthermore, the method can involve shuttering the second shuttering component for the third time period.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Additional features and advantages of exemplary implementations of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary implementations. The features and advantages of such implementations may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary implementations as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It should be noted that the figures are not drawn to scale, and that elements of similar structure or function are generally represented by like reference numerals for illustrative purposes throughout the figures. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic state diagram of a method of shuttering three-dimensional (3D) content in accordance with one or more implementations of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a timing diagram demonstrating a received shuttering signal and corresponding displayed 3D content in accordance with one or more implementations of the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of a shuttering device in accordance with one or more implementations of the invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of a system for viewing 3D content in accordance with one or more implementations of the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a series of acts in a method in accordance with an implementation of the present invention of shuttering displayed 3D content in response to a shuttering signal; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a series of acts in a method in accordance with an implementation of the present invention of shuttering displayed 3D content in response to a synchronous shuttering signal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Implementations of the present invention solve one or more problems in the art with systems, methods, and computer program products configured to allow for viewing of three-dimensional (3D) content on a broad range of display devices. In particular, implementations of the present invention provide for shuttering of transitions between left eye images and right eye images of 3D content. One or more implementations of the present invention allow a viewer to experience a level of quality that can match or even exceed the quality experienced with specialized 3D display devices. Accordingly, implementations of the present invention can alleviate or eliminate the need to purchase a 3D-specific display device by enabling the viewing of 3D content on traditional display devices in a high quality manner.

Specialized 3D display devices attempt to provide an enhanced 3D viewing experience by modifying physical characteristics of the display device, such as by increasing the frame-rate and decreasing a frame overlap or transition period. The frame-rate refers to the number of unique video frames the display device can render in a given amount of time (e.g., one second). A frame transition period refers to the period of time that elapses when transitioning between two frames. During the frame transition period, the display device displays at least a portion of two or more video frames concurrently. Longer frame transition periods are perceptible to the human eye, and can lead to a degraded viewing experience. For example, longer frame transition periods can cause motion blurring or ghosting. These effects are a particular problem when viewing 3D video content.

One or more implementations of the present invention provide for filtering a user's view of displayed 3D content. This involves a blanking or shuttering device (e.g., shuttering glasses) receiving a shuttering signal that includes one or more shuttering instructions. The shuttering instruction(s) can instruct the shuttering device to synchronously shutter portions of the user's view while the user is viewing the displayed 3D content. The shuttering instructions can include at least one inter-frame shuttering instruction which instructs the shuttering device to shutter all or part of one or more frame transition periods from the user's view. Thus, one or more implementations allow for viewing of 3D content on a broad range of display devices, including devices that that may have lower frame-rates and longer frame transition periods.

FIG. 1, for example, illustrates a schematic state diagram for shuttering 3D content in accordance with one or more implementations of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 1 illustrates that one or more shuttering devices 116 can shutter (or obfuscate) the display of 3D content at a display device 108. In one or more implementations, the shuttering device 116 can comprise stereoscopic shuttering glasses that include two or more shuttering components 118, 120, which are capable of selectively obfuscating all or part of a wearer's view of the display device 108. In one or more implementations, the shuttering components correspond to lenses or portions of lenses of the shuttering glasses 116. As discussed more fully herein after, a shuttering signal can control the shuttering device 116.

FIG. 1 illustrates that shuttering 3D content can include at least three different shuttering states 102, 104, and 106. In state 102, for example, the shuttering device 116 can process a shuttering instruction 124 (blank right) received from a video processing device 122. As instructed by the shuttering instruction 124, the shuttering device 116 can use a shuttering component 120 to shutter all or part of the user's right eye view of the display device 108. Additionally, the shuttering device 116 can place shuttering component 118 in an un-shuttered or open state, allowing the user's left eye to view the video frame 110 displayed by the display device 108. State 102 may correspond to at least a portion of a period of time in which the display device 108 displays a video frame 110, which comprises 3D video content intended for viewing by the user's left eye.

Similarly, in state 106, the shuttering device 116 can process a shuttering instruction 128 (blank left) received from the video processing device 122. In response, the shuttering device 116 can use a shuttering component 118 to shutter all or part of the user's left eye view of the display device 108. Additionally, the shuttering device 116 can place shuttering component 120 in an un-shuttered or open state, allowing the user's right eye to view the video frame 114 displayed by the display device 108. State 106 may correspond to at least a portion of a period of time in which the display device 108 displays a video frame 114 comprising 3D video content intended for viewing by the user's right eye.

One will appreciate that states 102 and 106 are not limited to shuttering left and right eyes in the manner illustrated. For instance, in state 102, the shuttering device 116 can use the shuttering component 118 to shutter the viewer's left eye during display of right eye content. Furthermore, in state 106, the shuttering device 116 can use the shuttering component 120 to shutter the viewer's right eye during display of left eye content. It will be appreciated, then, that states 102, 104, 106 should not be interpreted as necessarily occurring in the illustrated order.

In state 104, the shuttering device 116 can process and respond to an inter-frame shuttering instruction 126 (blank both) by using both shuttering components 118, 120 to concurrently shutter the user's left and right eye views of the display device 108. State 104 may correspond to at least a portion a frame transition period in which the display device 108 transitions between displaying two video frames. For instance, the display device 108 might be transitioning from display of the “left eye” video frame 110 to the “right eye” video frame 114, or vice versa. Thus, in one or more implementations, the display device 108 displays a frame transition 112, in which the display device 108 concurrently displays at least a portion of two or more different video frames (e.g., video frame 110 and video frame 114). By shuttering both of the user's eyes during display of the frame transition 112, the shuttering device 116 can prevent the user from viewing all or part of the frame transition 112 during all or part of the frame transition period.

One will appreciate that the appropriate shuttering of a single eye, as in states 102 and 106, synchronous with the display of appropriate 3D video content, can provide the illusion that two-dimensional images are actually 3D. Furthermore, inter-frame shuttering, or the synchronous shuttering of both eyes during frame transition periods, can enhance the clarity of the perceived 3D image. For example, inter-frame shuttering can reduce or eliminate undesirable effects such as motion blurring and ghosting. Thus, the disclosed inter-frame shuttering techniques can allow for viewing 3D content on display devices that may have lower frame-rates and/or longer frame overlap or transition periods.

FIG. 2 shows a timing diagram 200 demonstrating a received shuttering signal 204 and corresponding displayed 3D content 202 in accordance with at least one implementation. In particular, FIG. 2 illustrates a snapshot of time that includes a plurality of time periods (e.g., time periods 206, 208, 210, 212, 214) during which the shuttering device 116 receives the shuttering signal 204 and shutters displayed 3D content. The horizontal ellipses 216 and 218 indicate that any number of additional time periods can extend to any point before or after the illustrated snapshot. As illustrated, the displayed 3D content 202 can comprise a plurality of video frames 110, 114, 222 as well as plurality of frame transitions 112, 220. Correspondingly, the received shuttering signal 204 can comprise a plurality of shuttering instructions 124, 126, 128 that instruct the shuttering device 116 to shutter the user's view of the displayed 3D content 202.

FIG. 2 illustrates that the shuttering device 116 can receive a shuttering instruction 124 (“BR,” or blank right) in connection with a “left eye” video frame 110 of the displayed 3D content 202. This instruction can instruct the shuttering device 116 to shutter the user's right eye during all or part of the time period 206 in which the display device 108 displays the “left eye” video frame 110. In response, the shuttering device 116 can shutter the shuttering component 120 during all or part of the time period 206. The shuttering device 116 can open, or un-obscure, the other shuttering component 118 during all or part of the time period 206, allowing the viewer to view the left eye video frame 110 with the left eye.

The shuttering device 116 can also receive an inter-frame shuttering instruction 126 (“BB,” or blank both) in connection with a frame transition 112 of the displayed 3D content 202. The frame transition 112 may occur as a result of the display device 108 transitioning between display of the “left eye” video frame 110 and a “right eye” video frame 114. The inter-frame shuttering instruction 126, can instruct the shuttering device 116 to concurrently shutter both of the user's eyes during all or part of the time period 208 in which the display device 108 displays the frame transition 112. In response, the shuttering device 116 can shutter both of shuttering components 118, 120 during all, or part of, the time period 208, preventing the viewer from seeing all or part of the frame transition 112 with either eye.

In addition, the shuttering device can receive a shuttering instruction 128 (“BL,” or blank left) in connection with the “right eye” video frame 114 of the displayed 3D content 202. This instruction 128 can instruct the shuttering device 116 to shutter the user's left eye during all or part of the time period 210 in which the display device 108 displays the “right eye” video frame 114. This may occur, for example, after the display device 108 fully transitions to display of the “right eye” video frame 114. In response, the shuttering device 116 can shutter the shuttering component 118 during all or part of the time period 210. The shuttering device 116 can open, or un-obscure, the other shuttering component 120 during all or part of the time period 210, allowing the viewer to view the right eye video frame 114 with the right eye.

Additionally, in time periods 212 and 214, the display device 108 can subsequently pass through another frame transition 220 to display another left video frame 222. In connection therewith, the shuttering signal 204 can include appropriate shuttering instructions 126, 124. In response to which, the shuttering device can shutter the appropriate shuttering components 118, 120.

FIG. 2 shows that the displayed 3D content 202 comprises a series of alternating left and right video frames (in any order), and that the shuttering signal 204 comprises an appropriate corresponding sequence of shuttering instructions 124, 126, 128. One will appreciate in view of the disclosure herein, however, that one or more implementations extend to shuttering any sequence of video frames. In one or more implementations, for example, the displayed 3D content 202 comprises differing sequences of left and right video frames (e.g., left, left, right, right). In one or more other implementations, the displayed 3D content 202 comprises only video frames intended for viewing with both eyes. In yet other implementations, the displayed 3D content 202 comprises a combination of different video frame types. One combination, for instance, can include both video frames intended for viewing with both eyes, as well as video frames intended for viewing with a single eye.

Thus, one will appreciate in light of the disclosure herein that the shuttering signal 204 can include any appropriate sequence of shuttering instructions that correspond to the displayed 3D content 202. For instance, if displayed 3D content 202 includes a different sequence of left and right video frames, the shuttering signal 204 can include an appropriate different sequence of shuttering instructions. Furthermore, the shuttering signal 204 can depart from the illustrated shuttering instructions. For example, shuttering signal 204 can refrain from shuttering during one or more frame transition time periods. Furthermore, shuttering signal 204 can include any number of additional shuttering instructions, such a shuttering instruction that does no shuttering (e.g., when the display device 108 displays a video frame intended for viewing with both eyes).

In one or more implementations, the shuttering device 116 receives the shuttering signal 204 prior to the display of the 3D content 202 by the display device 108. Thus, the shuttering device 116 may store (e.g., cache) at least a portion of the shuttering signal 204 prior to performing any instructed shuttering. In additional implementations, the shuttering device 116 receives the shuttering signal 204 concurrently (or substantially concurrently) with the display of the 3D content 202 by the display device 108. Furthermore, in some instances, the shuttering instructions of the shuttering signal 204 can instruct the shuttering device 116 to shutter entire time periods. One will appreciate, however, that the shuttering instructions can also instruct the shuttering device 116 to shutter only a portion of a corresponding time period. Furthermore, the shuttering signal 204 can also instruct the shuttering device 116 to shutter more than a corresponding time period.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of a shuttering device 116 in accordance with one or more implementations. As noted herein above, the shuttering device 116 may, in one or more implementations, take the form of shuttering glasses worn by a user. In alternative implementations, the shuttering device 116 can take any appropriate alternate form that can filter displayed 3D content in the manner disclosed. For example, the shuttering components 118, 116 may take the form of shuttering contact lenses (or other eye shield with separated left and right lenses) wirelessly coupled with other appropriate components. Accordingly, none of the disclosure herein should be viewed as limiting the shuttering device 116 to glasses. Furthermore, none of the disclosure herein should be viewed as limiting the shuttering components 118, 116 to physically separated components.

FIG. 3 illustrates that the shuttering device 116 can include a receiver 302. In one or more implementations, and as illustrated, the receiver 302 can comprise a wireless receiver (e.g., Wi-Fi, BLUETOOTH, infrared). The receiver 302 can, in other implementations, comprise a wired receiver (e.g., optical, electronic wire). In any event, the receiver 302 can receive a shuttering signal 204. As illustrated, the shuttering signal 204 can comprise a plurality of shuttering instructions 124, 126, 128, etc. In one or more embodiments, the shuttering signal 204 comprises a digital signal which includes a plurality of data packets. In such instances, each of the data packets can include one or more shuttering instructions. In one or more other embodiments, the shuttering signal 204 comprises an analog signal which can encode the shuttering instructions as a waveform.

In any event, the receiver 302 can communicate the shuttering signal 302 as a whole, or the shuttering instructions individually, to a processing component 308. FIG. 3 illustrates that the processing component 308 can include a plurality of subsidiary processing components or modules, such as a shuttering signal processor 310 and a user input processor 312. As illustrated by the arrows between the shuttering signal processor 310 and the user input processor 312, any of the subsidiary components or modules of the processing component 308 can be communicatively coupled in any appropriate manner. Further, as illustrated by the vertical ellipses between the shuttering signal processor 310 and the user input processor 312, the processing component 308 can include any number of additional subsidiary components or modules, as appropriate.

Illustratively, the processing component 308 can use the shuttering signal processor 310 to identify shuttering instructions in the shuttering signal 302. Once identified, the shuttering signal processor 310 can instruct one or more of the shuttering components 118, 120 to alter a shuttering state (e.g., shuttered or not shuttered), as appropriate for the shuttering instruction. The shuttering signal processor 310 can use any number of other processing components or modules to perform the processing and to instruct the shuttering components. For instance, when the shuttering signal processor 310 identifies an inter-frame shuttering instruction 126, the shuttering signal processor 310 can instruct both the shuttering components 118, 120 to enter a shuttered state. If one or more of the shuttering components 118, 120 is already in the shuttered state, the shuttering signal processor 310 can instruct the shuttering component to remain in the shuttered state.

In one or more implementations, the shuttering device 116 can comprise a universal and/or a configurable shuttering device. When the shuttering device 116 is a universal device, the processing component 308 can include any number of other processing components for identifying a signal type of the shuttering signal 204. Thus, the receiver 302 can receive any of a number of types of shuttering signals 204, both analog and digital, and the processing component 308 can determine the type of signal and process it accordingly. Furthermore, when the shuttering device 116 is a configurable shuttering device, the processing component 308 can include any number of other processing components for receiving updates. Thus, the shuttering device 116 can receive any of a number of updates, such as updates to processing components, updates to signal types, new signal types, etc.

FIG. 3 also illustrates that the shuttering device 116 can include additional components, such a transmitter 304 and a user input component 314. The shuttering device 116 can communicate with one or more other devices via the transmitter 304. For example, the shuttering device 116 can use the transmitter 304, to communicate with other shuttering devices, the video processing device 122, the display device 108, the Internet, etc. In one or more implementations, the shuttering device combines the transmitter 304 and the receiver 302 as a single component, while in one or more other implementations the transmitter 304 and the receiver 302 are separate components. The transmitter can transmit an output signal 306 that can be separate from or combined with the shuttering signal 204 and that can contain one or more instructions or packets 320. Similar to the receiver 302, the transmitter 304 can also use any wired or wireless communications mechanism, analog or digital.

The user input component 314 can comprise any means for receiving user input, including any combination of one or more buttons, switches, touch devices, microphones, cameras, light sensing devices, pressure sensing devices, etc. The user input processor 312 can process user input received via the user input component 314. The user input can comprise any appropriate type of user input, and the shuttering device 116 can use the user input in any appropriate manner. For example, user input may comprise volume control, selection of a shuttering signal type, user feedback to be sent to another device (e.g., the video processing device 122), selection of a mode of the shuttering device (e.g., on, off, standby, configuration, update), etc.

As illustrated by the vertical ellipses between the user input component 314 and an “other” component 322, the shuttering device 116 can include any number of additional components. The additional components can communicate with the processing component 308 or any other component where appropriate. Additional components may include, for example, one or more speakers, a power source, lights, one or more microphones, etc. When additional components are present, components already discussed may be modified accordingly. For instance, when the other components include speakers, the receiver 302 can also receive an analog or digital audio signal, either as part of the shuttering signal 204 or as a separate signal. Then, the processing component 308 may include an audio decoder which sends a decoded audio signal to the speakers.

In one or more implementations, the other component(s) 322 can include a shuttering signal continuity component, which ensures that shuttering occurs, even when the shuttering signal 204 is lost. For instance, the shuttering signal continuity component can implement a phase lock loop (or any similar logic) that analyzes the shuttering signal 204 and generates a replacement signal, when appropriate. The analysis can include determining average sequence and timing information about the shuttering instructions contained in the blanking signal 204, and developing a model of this information. Then, the shuttering signal continuity component can use phase lock loop (or other logic) to generate a series of substitute shuttering instructions that are estimated to duplicate any shuttering instructions that would have been received if the shuttering signal 204 had not been lost. These generated shuttering instructions can be used to control the shuttering components 118, 120 in the absence of the shuttering signal 204. When the shuttering signal 204 is regained, the shuttering signal continuity component can synchronize the generated substitute shuttering instructions with the shuttering signal 204.

The shuttering signal 204 may be lost for a variety of reasons, such as physical or electromagnetic interference, loss of signal strength, insufficient transmission bandwidth, etc. For example, if the shuttering signal 204 is transmitted via an infrared transmission, the shuttering signal 204 may be lost if a person or animal walks between the wearer of shuttering glasses and the transmission source, if the wearer turns his or her head, etc. Similarly, if the shuttering signal 204 is transmitted via a BLUETOOTH or WiFi transmission, the shuttering signal 204 may be lost due to interference on the same frequency as the transmission (e.g., from a microwave oven or other wireless devices), if the wearer moves out of range, if data packets in the transmission arrive out of order or delayed, etc. Accordingly, the ability to deal with shuttering signal continuity can improve the robustness and reliability of the shuttering device.

The shuttering components 118, 120 can comprise any component that can selectively obfuscate/shutter all or a portion of a user's view of the display device 108. For example, in one or more implementations the shuttering components 118, 120 can comprise one or more liquid crystal layers that respond to applied voltage. The liquid crystal layers can have the property of becoming opaque (or substantially opaque) when voltage is applied (or, alternatively, when voltage is removed). Otherwise, the liquid crystal layers can have the property of being transparent (or substantially transparent) when voltage is removed (or, alternatively, when voltage is applied). One will recognize in view of the disclosure herein that liquid crystal layers are not the only available shuttering technology. For example, alternate electronic shuttering technologies (e.g., polarized lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT)) and mechanical shuttering technologies are also available and within the scope of the disclosure herein.

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of a system 400 for viewing 3D content, in accordance with one or more implementations. The system 400 is one possible environment in which the shuttering techniques disclosed herein may be used. FIG. 4 illustrates that the system 400 can include the video processing device 122, one or more shuttering devices 116, and the display device 108. These devices can be separate or combined. For instance, in one or more implementations the video processing device 122 and the display device 108 are separate units, while in one or more other implementations these devices form a single unit.

In one or more implementations, the video processing device 122 receives 3D content from a media device. The media device can comprise any number of devices capable of transmitting 3D content to the video processing device 122. For example, FIG. 4 illustrates that the media device can comprise a streaming source 408 (e.g., a satellite box, cable box, the Internet), a gaming device (e.g., XBOX 410, PLAYSTATION 416), a storage media player device (e.g., Blu-Ray player 412, DVD player 414) capable of reading storage media 418, and the like. The video processing device 122 can, itself, comprise one or more media devices.

The video processing device 122 can communicate with the display device 108 and the shuttering device(s) 116 in any appropriate manner. For instance, an appropriate wired mechanism, such as HDMI, component, composite, coaxial, network, optical, and the like can couple the video processing device 122 and the display device 108 together. Additionally, or alternatively, an appropriate wireless mechanism, such as BLUETOOTH, Wi-Fi, etc., can couple the video processing device 122 and the display device 108 together. Furthermore, as discussed herein above, any appropriate wired or wireless mechanism (e.g., BLUETOOTH, infrared, etc.) can couple the video processing device 122 and the shuttering device(s) 116 together.

The video processing device 122 can generate an appropriate output signal comprising 3D content received from a media device. For example, when the video processing device 122 and the display device 108 are coupled via a digital mechanism (e.g., HDMI), the video processing device 122 can generate a digital output signal. On the other hand, when the video processing device 122 and the display device 108 are coupled via an analog mechanism (e.g., component, composite or coaxial), the video processing device 122 can generate an analog output signal. The video processing device 122 can process 3D content received from the media device to convert the received 3D content to a format more suited for the particular display device 108. Additionally, the video processing device 122 can generate and send a shuttering signal to the shuttering device(s) 116 that is synchronized to the output signal.

One will appreciate in view of the disclosure herein that the video processing device 122 can take any of a variety of forms. For example, the video processing device 122 may be a set-top box or other customized computing system. The video processing device 122 may also be a general purpose computing system (e.g., a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a tablet computer, etc.). Alternatively, the video processing device 122 may be a special purpose computing system (e.g., a gaming console, a set-top box, etc.) that has been adapted to implement one or more disclosed features.

The display device 108 can be any one of a broad range of display devices that incorporate a variety of display technologies, both current and future (e.g., Cathode Ray, Plasma, LCD, LED, OLED). Furthermore, the display device 108 can take any of a number of forms, such as a television set, a computer display (e.g., desktop computer monitor, laptop computer display, tablet computer display), a handheld display (e.g., cellular telephone, PDA, handheld gaming device, handheld multimedia device), or any other appropriate form. While the display device 108 can be a display device designed specifically to displaying 3D content, the display device 108 can also be a more traditional display device, such as a lower frame-rate device. One will appreciate in light of the disclosure herein that the display device 108 can include both digital and analog display devices.

Accordingly, FIGS. 1-4 provide a number of components and mechanisms for shuttering the display of 3D content. The disclosed shuttering includes shuttering at least one inter-frame transition between displayed video frames from a user's view. Thus, one or more disclosed implementations allow for viewing of 3D content on a broad range of display devices, even display devices that may have lower frame-rates and/or lower frame transition periods.

Additionally, implementations of the present invention can also be described in terms of flowcharts comprising one or more acts in a method for accomplishing a particular result. Along these lines, FIGS. 5-6 illustrate flowcharts of computerized methods of shuttering displayed 3D content in response to a shuttering signal to improve the perception of the displayed 3D content by concurrently shuttering both of a viewer's eyes during frame transitions. The acts of FIGS. 5 and 6 are described herein below with respect to the schematics, diagrams, devices and components shown in FIGS. 1-4.

For example, FIG. 5 illustrates that one or more implementations of a method of shuttering displayed 3D content in response to a shuttering signal can comprise an act 502 of receiving a shuttering signal. Act 502 can include receiving a shuttering signal that is synchronized to 3D content to be displayed at a display device 108. For example, act 502 can include the receiver 302 at the shuttering device 116 receiving a shuttering signal 204 that includes one or more shuttering instructions 124, 126, 128. Act 502 can also include determining a signal type of the shuttering signal 204 and processing the shuttering signal 204 according to the signal type to determine the shuttering instructions.

FIG. 5 also illustrates that the method can comprise an act 504 of shuttering a first shuttering component. Act 504 can include shuttering a first shuttering component during a first time period corresponding to a display of second eye 3D content at the display device. In particular, act 504 can include shuttering the shuttering component 120 during at least a portion of time period 206 in which left eye frame 110 is displayed on the display device 108. In one or more implementations, act 504 can include applying voltage to a liquid crystal layer within shuttering component 120, thereby causing shuttering component 120 to become opaque.

In addition, FIG. 5 shows that the method can comprise an act 506 of concurrently shuttering the first shuttering component and a second shuttering component. Act 506 can include shuttering the first shuttering component and a second shuttering component concurrently during a second time period corresponding to a display of a transition from the second eye 3D content to first eye 3D content at the display device in response to the shuttering signal. In particular, act 504 can include shuttering the shuttering components 118, 120 during at least a portion of time period 208 in which at least a portion of both the left eye frame 110 and the right eye frame 114 are displayed on the display device 108. In one or more implementations, act 504 can include applying voltage to a liquid crystal layers within shuttering components 118, 120, thereby causing shuttering components 118, 120 to become opaque.

FIG. 5 further shows that the method can comprise an act 508 of shuttering the second shuttering component. Act 508 can include shuttering the second shuttering component during a third time period corresponding to a display of the first eye 3D content at the display device. In particular, act 508 can include shuttering the shuttering component 118 during at least a portion of time period 210 in which right eye frame 114 is displayed on the display device 108. In one or more implementations, act 508 can include applying voltage to a liquid crystal layer within shuttering component 118, thereby causing shuttering component 118 to become opaque.

The method can also involve other acts of shuttering, such as an act of shuttering neither the first shuttering component nor the shuttering component during a fourth time period. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the first eye can correspond to a left eye and that the second eye can correspond to a right eye, or vice versa. Thus, shuttering the first and second shuttering components can involve shuttering a user's left and/or right eyes, in any order. It will also be appreciated that shuttering can involve shuttering all or part of the display of 3D content. For instance, concurrent shuttering can comprise concurrent shuttering during an entire display of the transition from the second eye 3D content to first eye 3D content, or during only a portion of the display of the transition.

In addition to the foregoing, FIG. 6 illustrates that one or more additional implementations of shuttering displayed 3D content in response to a synchronous shuttering signal can comprise an act 602 of receiving a plurality of shuttering instructions. Act 602 can include receiving a shuttering signal that includes a plurality of shuttering instructions synchronized to 3D content to be displayed at a display device. For example, act 602 can include the receiver 302 receiving a shuttering signal 204 that includes a plurality of shuttering instructions 124, 126, 128. In one or more implementations, act 602 can involve receiving a digital signal 204 that includes one or more data packets, which in turn include the shuttering instructions. Act 602 can also include determining a signal type of the shuttering signal. Thus, the act can involve receiving and processing a variety of types of shuttering signals.

FIG. 6 also illustrates that the method can comprise an act 604 of identifying a first shuttering instruction. Act 604 can include identifying a first shuttering instruction that instructs the shuttering device to shutter a first shuttering component for a first time period. For example, act 604 can include the shuttering signal processor 310 identifying that the first shuttering instruction instructs the shuttering device 116 to shutter the shuttering component 120. In one or more implementations, the first time period can correspond to at least a portion of time during which a display device 108 displays only 3D content intended for viewing by a left eye (i.e., video frame 110).

In addition, FIG. 6 illustrates that the method can include an act 606 of shuttering a first shuttering component. Act 606 can include shuttering the first shuttering component for the first time period. For example, act 606 can include shuttering the shuttering component 120 during at least a portion of time period 206 in which left eye frame 110 is displayed on the display device 108. Act 606 can include the processing component 308 instructing the shuttering component 120 to enter a shuttered state. Act 606 can also involve instructing the shuttering component 118 to open or leave the shuttered state so that only shuttering component 120 is shuttered during the first time period 206.

FIG. 6 also shows that the method can comprise an act 608 of identifying a second shuttering instruction corresponding to a frame transition period. Act 608 can include identifying a second shuttering instruction that instructs the shuttering device to concurrently shutter the first shuttering component and a second shuttering component during a second time period corresponding to a frame transition period. For example, act 608 can include the shuttering signal processor 310 identifying that the second shuttering instruction instructs the shuttering device 116 to shutter both the shuttering component 118 and the shuttering component 120 concurrently. The indentified second time period may be equal to the entire frame transition period, a portion of the frame transition period, or a period longer than the frame transition period.

In response to the second shuttering instruction, the method can comprise an act 610 of shuttering the first shuttering component and the second shuttering component concurrently. Act 610 can include shuttering the first shuttering component and the second shuttering component concurrently for the second time period. For example, act 610 can include the processing component 308 instructing the shuttering component 120 to enter or remain in the shuttered state and instructing the shuttering component 118 to enter the shuttered state so that both shuttering components 118, 120 shutter concurrently.

Additionally, FIG. 6 illustrates that the method can comprise an act 612 of identifying a third shuttering instruction. Act 612 can include identifying a third shuttering instruction that instructs the shuttering device to shutter the second shuttering component for a third time period. For example, act 612 can include the shuttering signal processor 310 identifying that the third shuttering instruction instructs the shuttering device 116 to shutter the shuttering component 118. In one or more implementations, the third time period can correspond to at least a portion of time during which a display device 108 displays only 3D content intended for viewing by a right eye (i.e., video frame 114).

In response to the third shuttering instruction, the method can comprise an act 614 of shuttering the second shuttering component. Act 614 can include shuttering the second shuttering component for the third time period. For example, act 614 can include shuttering the shuttering component 118 during at least a portion of time period 210 in which right eye frame 114 is displayed on the display device 108. Act 614 can include the processing component 308 instructing the shuttering component 118 to enter a shuttered state. Act 614 can also involve instructing the shuttering component 120 to open or leave the shuttered state so that only shuttering component 118 is shuttered during the third time period 210.

The method can include identifying other shuttering instructions as well. For example, the method can include an act of identifying a fourth shuttering instruction that instructs the shuttering device to refrain from shuttering either of the first shuttering component or the second shuttering component. This instruction may correspond, for example, with the display of content at the display device intended for view with both eyes. Thus, in response to this fourth shuttering instruction, the shuttering device can refrain from shuttering either of the first shuttering component or the second shuttering component. This can involve, for example, the processing component 308 sending a command to the shuttering components 118, 120 to leave the shuttering mode, when appropriate.

Accordingly, FIGS. 1-6 provide a number of components and mechanisms for shuttering the display of 3D content using inter-frame shuttering techniques. One or more disclosed implementations allow for viewing of 3D video content on a broad range of display devices, including devices that that may have lower frame-rates and longer frame transition periods, or that are not otherwise specifically designed for displaying 3D video content.

The implementations of the present invention can comprise a special purpose or general-purpose computing systems. Computing systems may, for example, be handheld devices, appliances, laptop computers, desktop computers, mainframes, distributed computing systems, or even devices that have not conventionally considered a computing system, such as DVD players, Blu-Ray Players, gaming systems, and video converters. In this description and in the claims, the term “computing system” is defined broadly as including any device or system (or combination thereof) that includes at least one physical and tangible processor, and a physical and tangible memory capable of having thereon computer-executable instructions that may be executed by the processor.

The memory may take any form and may depend on the nature and form of the computing system. A computing system may be distributed over a network environment and may include multiple constituent computing systems. In its most basic configuration, a computing system typically includes at least one processing unit and memory. The memory may be physical system memory, which may be volatile, non-volatile, or some combination of the two. The term “memory” may also be used herein to refer to non-volatile mass storage such as physical storage media. If the computing system is distributed, the processing, memory and/or storage capability may be distributed as well. As used herein, the term “module” or “component” can refer to software objects or routines that execute on the computing system. The different components, modules, engines, and services described herein may be implemented as objects or processes that execute on the computing system (e.g., as separate threads).

Implementations of the present invention may comprise or utilize a special purpose or general-purpose computer including computer hardware, such as, for example, one or more processors and system memory, as discussed in greater detail below. Embodiments within the scope of the present invention also include physical and other computer-readable media for carrying or storing computer-executable instructions and/or data structures. Such computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer system. Computer-readable media that store computer-executable instructions are physical storage media. Computer-readable media that carry computer-executable instructions are transmission media. Thus, by way of example, and not limitation, embodiments of the invention can comprise at least two distinctly different kinds of computer-readable media: computer storage media and transmission media.

Computer storage media includes RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer.

A “network” is defined as one or more data links that enable the transport of electronic data between computer systems and/or modules and/or other electronic devices. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a computer, the computer properly views the connection as a transmission medium. Transmissions media can include a network and/or data links which can be used to carry or desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

Further, upon reaching various computer system components, program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures can be transferred automatically from transmission media to computer storage media (or vice versa). For example, computer-executable instructions or data structures received over a network or data link can be buffered in RAM within a network interface module (e.g., a “NIC”), and then eventually transferred to computer system RAM and/or to less volatile computer storage media at a computer system. Thus, it should be understood that computer storage media can be included in computer system components that also (or even primarily) utilize transmission media.

Computer-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions and data which, when executed at a processor, cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing device to perform a certain function or group of functions. The computer executable instructions may be, for example, binaries, intermediate format instructions such as assembly language, or even source code. Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the described features or acts described above. Rather, the described features and acts are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be practiced in network computing environments with many types of computer system configurations, including, personal computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, message processors, hand-held devices, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, mobile telephones, PDAs, pagers, routers, switches, and the like. The invention may also be practiced in distributed system environments where local and remote computer systems, which are linked (either by hardwired data links, wireless data links, or by a combination of hardwired and wireless data links) through a network, both perform tasks. In a distributed system environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

1. At a shuttering device, the shuttering device including one or more processors and a memory, a computerized method of shuttering displayed three-dimensional (3D) content in response to a shuttering signal to improve the perception of the displayed 3D content by concurrently shuttering both of a viewer's eyes during frame transitions, the method comprising the acts of: receiving a shuttering signal; and responding to the received shuttering signal, wherein the method further comprises: shuttering a first shuttering component during a first time period corresponding to a display of second eye 3D content at the display device; shuttering the first shuttering component and a second shuttering component concurrently during a second time period corresponding to a display of a transition from the second eye 3D content to first eye 3D content at the display device; and shuttering the second shuttering component during a third time period corresponding to a display of the first eye 3D content at the display device.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein: shuttering a first shuttering component comprises shuttering a component configured to be placed about a user's right eye; and shuttering the second shuttering component comprises shuttering a component configured to be placed about a user's left eye.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein: shuttering a first shuttering component comprises shuttering a component configured to be placed about a user's left eye; and shuttering the second shuttering component comprises shuttering a component configured to be placed about a user's right eye.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising opening the first shuttering component and the second component during a fourth time period.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the shuttering signal comprises one or more data packets that include one or more shuttering instructions.
 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising processing the one or more shuttering instructions to identify at least: a first shuttering instruction that instructs the shuttering device to shutter only the first shuttering component during the first time period; a second shuttering instruction that instructs the shuttering device to shutter the first shuttering component and the second shuttering component concurrently during the second time period; and a third shuttering instruction that instructs the shuttering device to shutter only the second shuttering component during the third time period.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining a signal type of the shuttering signal; and processing the shuttering signal according to the signal type to determine a plurality of shuttering instructions included in the shuttering signal.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein shuttering the first shuttering component and the second shuttering component concurrently during the second time period comprises shuttering the first shuttering component and the second shuttering component during an entire display of the transition from the second eye 3D content to first eye 3D content.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein shuttering the first shuttering component and the second shuttering component concurrently during the second time period comprises shuttering the first shuttering component and the second shuttering component during only a portion of the display of the transition from the second eye 3D content to first eye 3D content.
 10. At a shuttering device, the shuttering device including one or more processors and a memory, a computerized method of shuttering displayed three-dimensional (3D) content in response to a synchronous shuttering signal to improve the perception of the displayed 3D content by concurrently shuttering both of a viewer's eyes during frame transitions in which at least a portion of an image intended for viewing by a right eye and at least a portion of a second image intended for viewing by a left are currently displayed, the method comprising the acts of: receiving a shuttering signal that includes a plurality of shuttering instructions synchronized to 3D content to be displayed at a display device; identifying a first shuttering instruction that instructs the shuttering device to shutter a first shuttering component for a first time period; shuttering the first shuttering component for the first time period; identifying a second shuttering instruction that instructs the shuttering device to concurrently shutter the first shuttering component and a second shuttering component during a second time period corresponding to a frame transition period; shuttering the first shuttering component and the second shuttering component concurrently for the second time period; identifying a third shuttering instruction that instructs the shuttering device to shutter the second shuttering component for a third time period; and shuttering the second shuttering component for the third time period.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: identifying a fourth shuttering instruction that instructs the shuttering device to refrain from shuttering either of the first shuttering component or the second shuttering component; and refraining from shuttering either of the first shuttering component or the second shuttering component.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the shuttering signal comprises a digital signal that includes one or more data packets.
 13. The method of claim 10, further comprising shuttering the first shuttering component and the second shuttering component for the entire frame transition period.
 14. The method of claim 10, further comprising shuttering the first shuttering component and the second shuttering component for less than the entire frame transition period.
 15. The method of claim 10, further comprising: generating one or more substitute shuttering instructions based on the received shuttering signal; and shuttering the first and second shuttering components in response to the substitute shuttering instructions when the shuttering signal is lost.
 16. The method of claim 10, wherein: the first time period corresponds to at least a portion of a time period during which a display device displays 3D content intended to be viewed only by a first eye; and the third time period corresponds to at least a portion of a time period during which a display device displays only 3D content intended to be viewed only by a second eye.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the second time period occurs between the first time period and the third time period.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the frame transition period corresponds to a time period during which the display device displays at least a portion of the 3D content intended to be viewed only by a first eye and at least a portion of the 3D content intended to be viewed only by a second eye.
 19. The method of claim 10, wherein shuttering the first shuttering component comprises applying voltage to a liquid crystal layer within the first shuttering component.
 20. In a computerized environment, one or more computer storage products having computer-executable instructions stored thereon that, when executed cause one or more processors in a computer system to perform a perform a method of shuttering displayed three-dimensional (3D) content in response to a shuttering signal to improve the perception of the displayed 3D content by concurrently shuttering both of a viewer's eyes during frame transitions, the method comprising the acts of: receiving a shuttering signal; and responding to the received shuttering signal, wherein the method further comprises: shuttering a first shuttering component during a first time period corresponding to a display of second eye 3D content at the display device; shuttering the first shuttering component and a second shuttering component concurrently during a second time period corresponding to a display of a transition from the second eye 3D content to first eye 3D content at the display device; and shuttering the second shuttering component during a third time period corresponding to a display of the first eye 3D content at the display device. 